Civic Duty and the changing seasons

It was a beautiful fall day. I began (too) early with a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood to the tunes of last year's Christmas mix....don't judge, the stores already are adorning their aisles with mini evergreens. Once i returned to the wonderful warmth of the house, I hurried to get ready and get to the poles at opening time. I must admit that I was disappointed when I arrived and opened the "Vote Here" door to find at least 25 people who beat me in the "I'm going to be the first to do my civic duty and avoid the crowds" game, but thankfully the line moved quickly. After completing the ballot and stopping to grab the "I Voted" sticker that would sparkle with pride on my sweater the duration of the day, I wogged (that's a combo of walking and jogging) back to my car and blasted the heat. I made it back home in time to enjoy breakfast and a partial episode of Saved By The Bell...kids these days don't know the awesomely cheesy after-school-specials that syndication has stolen from them...before bundling into the car and heading to my latest and greatest temp assignment.
I am blessed to have work, and actually really enjoy meeting new people all the time...it's refreshing and liberating, and often affords the time needed to finish all the books I have delved partially into over the past few months. I can't say I am a fan of Business Casual, but unless I want to work as a youth minister or construction worker I figure I'll have to eventually learn to love the attire (although I have always had a knack for directing traffic and setting up orange cones in near perfect lines). At least I have one more year of freedom in that regard. I will travel the world looking more like an Eddie Bauer bum than anything business related.
Though I have a lot of funds yet to be raised, and expensive gear I may need to sell a few organs to buy, I'm taking it one day at a time and trusting in the God who's taken me this far. OK, fine, I also indulge in the occasional 7-11 Pumpkin Spice knock-off in moments of stress...it's strictly seasonal and Oh So perfect in the crisp weather.
I have already made some great strides; completing the necessary vaccinations, purchasing international insurance, securing a 6 month supply of malaria medication, and raising almost half of the funds thanks to many loving and generous family members and friends. My life can feel crazy, but is TRULY blessed:)